UConn-Barnes & Noble Partnership Generating Millions, Report Says

STORRS, CT — The transition to Barnes & Noble College taking over the University of Connecticut bookstore has resulted in "significant savings to students" and more than $9 million going to the university over the past two years, according to a report released by UConn officials on Wednesday.

The "partnership" is anticipated to generate $4.5 million during the current academic year, officials said.

In the 2016-17 academic year, that payout was $5 million, officials said.

More than $4.25 million has gone directly into scholarships so far, with the balance designated for "renovations and capital projects in the university-owned spaces that the bookstore leases," officials said.

The UConn student body also "saved" about $661,000 in the fall of 2017 through rented, used, or digital books rather than new textbooks, according to newly compiled figures.

It's all, "a savings that is expected to increase yearly, as more of those options become available," UConn officials said.

See more about the bookstore operations here.

In April 2016, UConn named Barnes & Noble as the new operator of all of its bookstores under an agreement that stipulates revenue generated by the affiliation will be devoted to financial aid and "student support."

The move was made amid financial concerns with what was then-UConn Co-Op.

The UConn Board of Trustees endorsed the move on April 27, 2016 based on the recommendation of a committee comprised of students, faculty members, staff members, and alumni.

Photo Credit: UConn